Low Grade Vesicoureteral Reflux Research Articles

Role of vesicoureteral reflux on pediatric kidney allograft function.

Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is a common urologic complication of pediatric kidney transplant, though there is little data on the effect of VUR on histologic graft changes or graft survival. All pediatric patients who received a kidney transplant from 2007 to 2020 were selected for retrospective chart review. All participants underwent a voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) at a 6-month post-transplant. Patients were then categorized into two groups based on vesicoureteral reflux grade: no/low-grade VUR (grades 0-2) and high-grade VUR (grades 3-5). Outcomes collected included graft failure rates, graft function, urinary tract infections(UTIs), proteinuria, and Banff scores at 3- and 12-month post-transplant surveillance kidney biopsies. There were 74 pediatric patients who received a kidney transplant in the designated time-period, and of those 39 had no/low-grade VUR and 35 had high-grade VUR. There was no difference in graft failure among the two groups over time when stratified for age (p = 0.389, CI 0.53-5.08). Patients with high grade VUR had a higher risk of UTI development overall (RR 1.89, 95%CI 1-3.6, p = 0.041), mostly accounted for from increased development of febrile UTI (RR 1.66, 95%CI 1.1-2.6, p = 0.038). Unselected pediatric kidney transplant recipients with high-grade vesicoureteral reflux on VCUG at a 6-month post-kidney transplant are more likely to have febrile UTI compared to those in the low-grade VUR group. There is no difference in graft survival among the two groups.

Asymmetrical primary vesicoureteral reflux: Which is the best surgical strategy?

No report has been published regarding the recommended surgical treatment in patients presenting with symptomatic primary asymmetrical vesicoureteral reflux (VUR): high grade on one side and low grade on the contralateral side. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and outcome of combined Lich-Gregoir extravesical reimplantation and subureteric Deflux® injection, of high grade and low grade VUR respectively. Non-inferiority to bilateral cross-trigonal reimplantation was investigated in terms of surgical complications, number of post-operative fUTIs and need for re-intervention. A monocentric retrospective study was undertaken of all consecutive children with primary asymmetrical VUR on MCUG treated over an 18-year period (2004-2022). Surgery was indicated following an episode of febrile urinary tract infection despite appropriate non-operative management. Demographic and clinical such as length of hospital stay for pain management, use of urinary Foley catheter and complications were analyzed. A total of 80 children met the study criteria: 40 patients underwent bilateral cross-trigonal re-implantation (Group 1) and 40 patients the combined Lich-Gregoir extra vesical reimplantation and Deflux® sub ureteric injection (Group 2). Complication and success rates were comparable in the two groups. The median hospital stay was significantly shorter for Group 2, with 50% of patients who were discharged on day 1. Moreover, the data showed a significant lesser need in number and length of bladder catheter and ureteral stents in Group 2. The technique proposed overcome the inconveniences of the other procedures that are commonly used in bilateral RVU: difficulty in retrograde catheterization or ureteroscopy after bilateral cross-trigonal reimplantation, the risk of transient bladder dysfunction after bilateral extravesical reimplantation and the low rate of success for high grade reflux of the sub ureteric Deflux® injection. The main limitation of the study lies in its retrospective nature and in the relatively short median follow-up. The combined Lich-Gregoir extra-vesical ureteral reimplantation and sub-ureteric Deflux® injection for the treatment of primary asymmetrical VUR is an effective alternative to the gold standard cross-trigonal ureteral reimplantation. Moreover, the position of the ureteric orifice is not modified in the eventuality of endourological procedures into adulthood.

Infant urinary tract infection in Sweden — A national study of current diagnostic procedures, imaging and treatment

BackgroundUrinary tract infection (UTI) in infants is a common, potentially life-threatening bacterial infection, and must be managed carefully through the entire chain of care from diagnosis, choice of treatment, follow-up and risk stratification of future complications. This Swedish nationwide study of infant UTI was conducted to evaluate the current management of infant UTI, yield of investigations and the Swedish UTI guidelines’ ability to detect abnormalities of importance in the urinary tract.MethodsInfants < 1 year with a first episode of UTI were included in a prospective multicenter study. Treatment and follow-up were provided by local pediatricians. Clinical and laboratory findings and imaging results were reported to the coordinating center. The current management and results were compared with a previous Swedish study.ResultsOne thousand three hundred six infants were included. Urine sampling was performed with clean catch technique in 93% of patients. Initial oral antibiotic treatment was used in 63%, predominantly third generation cephalosporines. Permanent kidney abnormalities were found in 10% and dilating vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in 8%. Higher rates of male gender, non-E. coli infection and ultrasound dilatation were seen in infants < 1 month. UTI recurrences were reported in 18%.ConclusionsInfant UTI is still generating a considerable amount of follow-up examinations. There is a significant shift towards clean catch as the main urine sampling method. Voiding cystourethrography is performed less frequently reducing the findings of low grade VUR. The incidence of renal scarring is comparable with earlier studies which suggests that the Swedish guidelines are able to identify individuals with risk for long-term complications.Graphical abstractA higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information

Voiding Sistoüretrogram ile Tanı Konulan Vezikoüreteral Reflü'nün Saptanmasında Dinamik Böbrek Sintigrafisinin Rolü

Aims: This study aims to evaluate the role of standardized dynamic renal scintigraphy (DRS) in recognizing vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in patients detected with VUR by voiding cystourethrography (VCUG). Methods: The data of all pediatric patients who underwent both VCUG and DRS [technetium-99m diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Tc-99m DTPA) or technetium-99m mercaptoacetyltriglycine dynamic renal scintigraphy (Tc-99m MAG-3)] in our hospital between 2013 and 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Tc-99m MAG-3 was used in infants and Tc-99m DTPA radiopharmaceutical in children over one year old. According to VCUG findings, VUR grades were grouped as grade I-II-III low-grade VUR and IV-V high-grade VUR. The role of DRS in detecting VUR in both low and high-VUR-grade groups was evaluated. Results: A total of 56 patients (and 69 renal units), 23 girls (%41.1), and 33 boys (%68.9) were included in this study. The median value of the time elapsed between the DRS and VCUG examinations was nine days. According to VCUG, VUR was grade I in five renal units, grade II in 19 renal units, grade III in six renal units, grade IV in six renal units, and grade V in 33 renal units. DRS detected VUR in two of 30 renal units (%6.7) in the low VUR grade group. On the other hand, VUR was observed with DRS in 27 of 39 renal units (%69.2) in the high VUR grade group. Conclusions: Standardized DRS shows very low sensitivity in recognizing low-grade VUR, and its performance in detecting high-grade VUR is comparatively better. Raising awareness among clinicians that VUR can be observed with standardized DRS will benefit the patient in terms of early detection of accompanying VUR pathologies.

Risk factors associated with recurrent febrile urinary tract infection in children with neurogenic bladder who perform clean intermittent catheterization.

To identify the clinical and urodynamic risk factors associated with the development of recurrent febrile urinary tract infections (FUTIs) in children with neurogenic bladder (NB) who perform clean intermittent catheterization(CIC). Children with NB receiving CIC were prospectively enrolled from January to December 2019 and followed up prospectively for 2 years. All data were compared between occasional (0-1 FUTI) and recurrent FUTIs (≥2 FUTI) groups. In addition, the risk factors for recurrent FUTIs in children were evaluated. Complete data from 321 children were analyzed. Occasional FUTIs occurred in 223 patients, and 98 patients experienced recurrent FUTIs. Univariate and multivariate analyses, showed late-initiation and low-frequency CIC, vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), small bladder capacity and low compliance, and detrusor overactivity were associated with an increased risk of recurrent FUTIs. Children with high-grade VUR (grades IV-V) had a higher risk of recurrent FUTIs than those with low-grade VUR (grades I-III) (odds ratio [OR]: 26.95 vs.OR: 4.78, p < 0.001). Our study suggests that late-initiation and low-frequency CIC, VUR, small bladder capacity and low compliance, and detrusor overactivity were associated with recurrent FUTIs in patients with NB. In addition, high-grade VUR is a crucial risk factor for recurrent FUTIs.

MP70-15 PRIMARY VESICOURETERAL REFLUX IN A MODERN COHORT: WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS?

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023MP70-15 PRIMARY VESICOURETERAL REFLUX IN A MODERN COHORT: WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS? Daniel Wilkinson, Matthew Buell, Kai Wen Cheng, Cayde Ritchie, Levi Miles, Jocelyn Huang, Ala’a Farkouh, David Chamberlin, and Joshua Chamberlin Daniel WilkinsonDaniel Wilkinson More articles by this author , Matthew BuellMatthew Buell More articles by this author , Kai Wen ChengKai Wen Cheng More articles by this author , Cayde RitchieCayde Ritchie More articles by this author , Levi MilesLevi Miles More articles by this author , Jocelyn HuangJocelyn Huang More articles by this author , Ala’a FarkouhAla’a Farkouh More articles by this author , David ChamberlinDavid Chamberlin More articles by this author , and Joshua ChamberlinJoshua Chamberlin More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003338.15AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Children with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) are known to be at increased risk of urinary tract infection (UTI). With a trend towards observational management of children with VUR, untreated VUR and subsequent UTI can lead to significant morbidity. The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for development of UTI in a modern cohort of children with primary VUR. METHODS: We performed a review of a prospectively maintained clinical database of children with primary VUR at a single children’s hospital from July 2013 to June 2022. Children were included if they were diagnosed with primary VUR by voiding cystourethrography between the ages of 1 day to 18 years. Patients with secondary VUR were excluded. Demographic and clinical data were collected. The primary endpoint was development of a UTI defined by pyuria (>6 WBC/hpf or positive leukocyte esterase) on urinalysis and single-organism urine culture greater than 50,000 CFU/mL. Low-grade (LG) VUR was defined as International VUR grades 1-3 and high-grade (HG) VUR was defined as International VUR grades 4 and 5. Dilated ureter was defined as any ureteral dilation greater than 2 mm. Data were analyzed by performing univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regressions as well as Chi Square tests. RESULTS: A total of 242 children had primary VUR, 116 (47.9%) male and 126 (52.1%) female. UTI occurred in 42 (17.3%) children with primary VUR, with an average follow-up time of 20.1 months [IQR of 6.2 - 45.0]. Female sex (HR: 2.39, 95% CI 1.22 - 4.67, p=0.011) and younger age at presentation of VUR (HR-1: 1.01, 95% CI 1.00 - 1.02, p=0.015) were found to be independent risk factors on multivariate analysis. Univariate analysis showed increased UTI rates in dilated ureter (14.6% non-dilated vs 30.5% dilated, p=0.024), HG VUR grade (13.2% in LG vs 23.7% in HG, p=0.038), and renal pelvis anterior-posterior diameter (APD) (16.9% ≤ 15 mm, 31.9% >15 mm p=0.032). Circumcision, degree of phimosis, constipation, voiding dysfunction, SFU grade of hydronephrosis, and prior febrile UTI were not found to be independent risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Risk factors for UTI in children with primary VUR include female sex, age younger than 50 days old, dilated ureter, HG VUR, and hydronephrosis with APD greater than 15 mm. Treatment may be individualized to treat these higher risk patients. Further multi-institutional study of patients with primary VUR may help to further elucidate risk factors for UTI and improve the management of these patients. Source of Funding: none © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e1009 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Daniel Wilkinson More articles by this author Matthew Buell More articles by this author Kai Wen Cheng More articles by this author Cayde Ritchie More articles by this author Levi Miles More articles by this author Jocelyn Huang More articles by this author Ala’a Farkouh More articles by this author David Chamberlin More articles by this author Joshua Chamberlin More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

The relevance of practical laboratory markers in predicting high-grade vesicoureteral reflux and renal scarring

ABSTRACT Introduction A high vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) grade is among the specific risk factors for febrile urinary tract infection (febrile UTI) and renal scarring. The aim of this study was to examine the predictive value of some potential hematological parameters for high-grade VUR and renal scarring in children 2 to 24 months old with febrile UTI. Methods We retrospectively examined the clinical features, laboratory tests, and imaging studies of 163 children 2 to 24 months old with a diagnosis of febrile UTI. The hematological parameters based on the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and white blood cell count (WBC) were calculated using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis to select which one is suitable. Results Of the 163 children with febrile UTI, 57 patients (35%) exhibited high-grade VUR. Regarding the predictive power for high-grade VUR, the median area under the curve (AUC) was 0.692 for NLR (sensitivity 61.4%, specificity 69.8%, P < 0.001) and 0.681 for PLR (sensitivity 63.2%, specificity 62.3%, P < 0.001). White blood cell count demonstrated the highest area under the ROC curve for diagnosis of high-grade VUR (0.884, 95% confidence interval 0.834–0.934) and an optimal cutoff value of 13.5 (sensitivity 80.7%, specificity 80.2%, P < 0.001). White blood cell count, with the highest AUC of 0.892 while the sensitivity and specificity were 83.3% and 82.8, was the preferred diagnostic index for renal scarring screening. Conclusions White blood cell count, NLR, and PLR were useful biomarkers closely related to children with febrile UTI who are at risk for high-grade VUR can also act as a novel marker to accurate prediction of high-grade VUR and renal scarring. Also, NLR and PLR can serve as useful diagnostic biomarkers to distinguish high-grade VUR from low-grade VUR.

Comparative study of open, laparoscopic and endoscopic treatments of intermediate grade vesicoureteral reflux in children.

Low-grade vesicoureteral-reflux (VUR) are rather treated by endoscopic injection, whereas open or laparoscopic procedures are mainly performed for high-grade VURs. Management of intermediate grades is controversial and no study focused on grade III to date. This study aims to compare the results of open, laparoscopic, and endoscopic approaches in children with grade III VUR. A multicenter comparative retrospectivestudy included children with grade III VUR operated for febrile urinary tract infections (UTIs) from 2007 to 2016. Children without UTI, with reflux of other grades, neurological bladder, duplex system, posterior urethral valves, and bladder exstrophy were excluded. Success was defined as no recurrence of febrile UTI and was presented as event-free survival curves. Out of 806 children operated of VUR, 171 met the inclusion criteria (114 females). Seventy-seven children (45%) underwent an open Cohen procedure, 35 (21%) a laparoscopic Lich-Gregoir and 59 (34%) a submucosal endoscopic injection according to the centers' preference. The mean follow-up was 64months (24-132). Groups were not different for age, sex, and circumcision status. Compared to Cohen procedure, recurrences of febrile UTI were more frequent after laparoscopic treatment (p = 0,02, 8/35) and endoscopic treatment (p = 0.001, 16/59). Redosurgery was also more frequent after laparoscopy (n = 2) and endoscopic injection (n = 14) than after open surgery (n = 0, p < 0.001). Recurrent febrile UTIs and redosurgery are more frequent after endoscopic and laparoscopic procedures in grade III VUR than open reimplantation. Whether the lower morbidity of laparoscopic or endoscopic approaches balances the risk of recurrent febrile UTI remains to be determined for intermediate grade reflux.

Bladder augmentation in exstrophy vesicae: Long-term results of a single experienced center.

In this study, we present our long-term treatment outcomes of bladder augmentation (BA), bladder neck closure, and Mitrofanoff clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) in managing bladder exstrophy (BE). This was a retrospective medical records' review of 33 children diagnosed as born with BE, followed up at a tertiary pediatric urology clinic from 1988 to 2020. Outcomes such as surgical interventions, presence of renal calculi, hydronephrosis, and continence status were extracted. The median follow-up of the group was 18.2 (4-26) years. Urinary system stones developed in 10 (30.3%) cases about 8.9 years after BA. Stone development was two times more common in patients who underwent colocystoplasty (33.3%) than those who underwent ileocytoplasty (16.6%). The state of continence of the group was satisfactory in 26 (78.7%; excellent in 23; good in 3 cases) and unsatisfactory (wet) in 6 (18.1%) cases. At the last visit, ultrasonography revealed no hydronephrosis in 23 (69.6%) patients, and the voiding cystourethrogram demonstrated low-grade vesicoureteral reflux in 10 (30.3%) and high-grade vesicoureteral reflux in 2 (6%) patients. An elaborated plan of surgical reconstruction for classic BE can lead to satisfactory long-term urinary continence in most patients. Ultimate predictors of outcome in BE repair are difficult to ascertain. Consistently, BA, bladder neck closure, and Mitrofanoff CIC continue to stand out at a critical point in the management of those patients with classic BE. Our study demonstrated that augmentation is required to achieve acceptable dryness with high satisfactory dryness rates in BE.

The prevalence of familial vesicoureteric reflux in infants with normal antenatal scans.

To determine the prevalence of familial vesicoureteric reflux (VUR) by studying the outcomes of screening in a contemporary cohort of newborns with normal antenatal kidney scans. A review of screening outcomes in newborns with a first degree relative with VUR, normal antenatal scans and no prior urine infections between 2014-2019 at three maternity units in the North East of England was conducted. Imaging consisted of micturating cystourethrogram (MCUG) in all and renal tract ultrasound scan (RUS) routinely in two units and by clinician preference in one unit. At a median age of 59 days, 265 infants underwent MCUG. High-grade VUR (Grades 3-5) was detected in 13 (4.9%) and low-grade VUR (Grades 1-2) in 24 (9.1%). In the 152 infants who had a RUS, abnormalities were detected in 21 (13.8%). An abnormal postnatal RUS has a low positive predictive value (14.3%) for high-grade VUR, but a normal RUS has a high negative predictive value (95.4%). Compared to historical cohorts from two decades ago, the yield from familial VUR screening is low and unjustifiable in the setting of normal antenatal anomaly scans.

MP17-02 PREDICTIVE FACTORS FOR IMPROVEMENT/RESOLUTION OF VESICOURETERAL REFLUX IN DUPLEX KIDNEYS

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 May 2022MP17-02 PREDICTIVE FACTORS FOR IMPROVEMENT/RESOLUTION OF VESICOURETERAL REFLUX IN DUPLEX KIDNEYS Clinton Yeaman, Kathryn Morgan, Fionna Sun, Sherry Ross, Jamie Michael, Rebecca Zee, Hans Pohl, Daniel Casella, Bruce Sprague, C.D. Anthony Herndon, and Nora Kern Clinton YeamanClinton Yeaman More articles by this author , Kathryn MorganKathryn Morgan More articles by this author , Fionna SunFionna Sun More articles by this author , Sherry RossSherry Ross More articles by this author , Jamie MichaelJamie Michael More articles by this author , Rebecca ZeeRebecca Zee More articles by this author , Hans PohlHans Pohl More articles by this author , Daniel CasellaDaniel Casella More articles by this author , Bruce SpragueBruce Sprague More articles by this author , C.D. Anthony HerndonC.D. Anthony Herndon More articles by this author , and Nora KernNora Kern More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000002550.02AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Most vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) improves spontaneously over childhood with resolution rates of 45-70% in simplex kidneys. Lower pole VUR in duplex kidneys has not been as well studied with a single 1991 study citing resolution rates of 85% for grades 1-2 and 36% for grade 3 VUR. We aimed to describe the occurrence of VUR in duplex systems as well as predictive factors for resolution/improvement. METHODS: Patients were retrospectively reviewed between 2015-2020 treated at 4 institutions in the Mid-Atlantic. Inclusion criteria included patients with a duplex kidney with any grade of lower pole VUR. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify predictors of VUR resolution based upon demographic and clinical characteristics. Successful improvement/resolution was defined as downgrading to grade 3 VUR or lower, and failure was defined as persistent grade 4-5 VUR. Descriptive statistics and regression modeling were performed using SAS. RESULTS: Of a cohort of 223 patients, 93 patients (41.7%) had lower pole VUR into 98 renal units. 68 patients (75%) were female. 22 patients (24%) underwent surgical procedures for VUR in the duplex moieties. 10 renal units (10.8%) had grade 1, 10 (10.8%) had grade 2, 24 (25.8%) had grade 3, 16 (17.2%) had grade 4, and 33 (35.5%) had grade 5 VUR. Infants were diagnosed at a mean age of 6 months and underwent repeat exam at a mean age 2.8 years (SD 2). 20 patients (21.5%) did not have repeat VCUG performed. On follow-up, VUR resolved/downgraded in 43 patients (55.1%), persisted at low grade in 7 patients (8.9%) and persisted at high-grade in 28 (35%). VUR resolved in 74% of those with grades 1-3 and in 17.5% of those with grades 4-5 (Table 1A). On univariate analysis (Table 1B), the only predictive factor for resolution of VUR was VUR grade (p=0.001) and was not affected by gender, grade of hydronephrosis or upper pole pathology. On multivariate analysis, low grade VUR remained a significant predictive factor (p=0.006). CONCLUSIONS: 55% of cases of lower pole VUR in duplex kidneys resolve spontaneously /downgrade to low grade. Spontaneous resolution seems to be affected by low grade VUR status alone. 83% of high grade VUR remained high grade at follow up. Source of Funding: N/A © 2022 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 207Issue Supplement 5May 2022Page: e284 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2022 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Clinton Yeaman More articles by this author Kathryn Morgan More articles by this author Fionna Sun More articles by this author Sherry Ross More articles by this author Jamie Michael More articles by this author Rebecca Zee More articles by this author Hans Pohl More articles by this author Daniel Casella More articles by this author Bruce Sprague More articles by this author C.D. Anthony Herndon More articles by this author Nora Kern More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF DownloadLoading ...

The results of three times repeated filling cystometry and pressure flow studies in children with non-neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction.

We previously reported that some urodynamic parameters change with repetitive filling in children with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD). In this study, we aimed to search if three-times repeated filling cystometries (FC) and pressure-flow studies (PFS) would change the urodynamics parameters in children with non-neurogenic LUTD. All children with three repeated FC and PFS between June 2017 and December 2018 were included in the study. Urodynamic reports and charts were evaluated retrospectively. The first sensation of bladder filling (FSBF), maximum cystometric capacity (MCC), detrusor pressure at the FSBF (Pdet.first.sens ), maximum detrusor pressure during filling (Pdet.fill.max ), presence of detrusor over activity, compliance, maximum urine flow (Qmax), detrusor pressure at the maximum urine flow (PdetQmax), residual urine and presence of detrusor sphincter dyssynergy (DSD) were compared among three-times repeated urodynamic studies. Forty children were included in the study. 27 (67.5%) were girls and 13 (32.5%) were boys. Median age was 9 (3.4-17) years. Indications were LUTD with low grade vesicoureteral reflux in 19 (47.5%), LUTD refractory to conservative management in 13 (32.5%), urinary tract infection with LUTD in 6 (15%) and secondary enuresis in 2 (5%). Pdet.first.sens , presence of DO, MCC, Qmax, PdetQmax, residual urine, flow pattern, and presence of DSD were comparable in all three repeated tests. The third FC may show decreased filling detrusor pressures and increased compliance with no change on capacity. In children with non-neurogenic LUTD, three-times repeated FC and PFS present comparable results except FSBF, Pdet.fill.max, and compliance at the third test.

Efficacy of Bladder Ultrasound in Prediction of Resolution of Vesicoureteral Reflux After Endoscopic Subureteral Hyaluronic Acid/Dextranomer (Deflux) Injection

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of bladder ultrasound (US) in predicting the resolution of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) after subureteral endoscopic Deflux injection in low-grade vs high-grade VUR patients. Materials and MethodsBetween 2014 and 2020, 160 children (220 ureters) were administered subureteral Deflux injection for treatment of primary VUR. The mean age at surgery was 72 months. Low-grade reflux (grades II-III) was observed in 190 ureters and high-grade reflux (grades IV-V) was observed in 30 ureters. Bilateral surgery was performed in 60 patients. All patients had follow-up using bladder US and voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) at 3 months and 12 months. Outcome included identification of Deflux mounds by bladder US and correlation of Deflux mounds identified with radiographic success rates of VUR on VCUG. ResultsSingle Deflux injection showed radiographic success rates in 98% of low grade reflux patients and 26.7% of high grade reflux patients at last follow-up. Bladder US was able to detect Deflux mounds in 89% of low grade reflux and 43.3% of high grade reflux patients at last follow up. Our study demonstrated higher sensitivity, Positive predictive value and accuracy in Deflux detection by bladder US in low grade reflux vs high grade reflux patients. ConclusionBladder-US was highly sensitive for detection of Deflux implants. Bladder-US could be adjusted in follow-up of patients with low-grade reflux treated by Deflux injection, while VCUG could be preserved for follow-up of high-grade reflux, this will lead to reduction of unnecessary radiation exposure during VCUG for children with low grade reflux.

Risk factors for renal scarring and clinical morbidity in children with high-grade and low-grade primary vesicoureteral reflux

Primary vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs) and renal damage. However, the importance of early diagnosis of VUR has been questioned. Moreover, most studies have few patients with high-grade VUR. Hence, we retrospectively analyzed a large cohort of patients with primary high-grade and low-grade VUR and assessed risk factors for renal damage and clinical morbidity. We included patients (<18 years) at diagnosis with low-grade (1-3) or high-grade (4-5) primary VUR and noted their clinical history and presence of hypertension, low eGFR (<60ml/in/1.73m2), renal scarring (focal or generalised) and reduced differential renal function (DRF; <45%). Risk factors were assessed (in patients and renal units) by logistic regression and generalised estimating equation. Of 399 primary VUR patients, 255 (64%) had high-grade VUR. Indications for voiding cystourethrogram were recurrent UTI (38%), first UTI (28%) and antenatal hydronephrosis (17%). At diagnosis, 252 (65%) had renal scars (focal in 170 [44%], generalised in 82 [21%]), and 188 (47%) had reduced DRF. High-grade VUR patients were more likely than low-grade VUR patients to have renal scarring (75% vs. 49%, p<0.01), low eGFR (23% vs. 13%, p=0.04) and significant hypertension (26% vs. 13%, p=0.02). High-grade VUR was associated with generalised scars (odds ratio [OR] 11, p<0.001), focal scars (OR 3.1, p<0.001) and reduced DRF (OR 2.3, p<0.001) shown in the table. Male sex was a risk factor for generalised scars (OR 2.3, p=0.005). Focal scars were associated with recurrent UTIs (OR=1.8, p=0.004) and reduced DRF (OR 1.4, p=0.027). Patients with multiple focal scars were diagnosed at an older age (2 years [1,4] than those with single scars (1.5 years [1,4] or no scars (1 year [0, 3]), p=0.04). The prevalence of renal damage and clinical morbidity at VUR diagnosis was higher than other studies. High-grade VUR patients had a greater prevalence of renal damage, low eGFR and hypertension than low-grade VUR patients and was a risk factor for focal scars, generalised scars and reduced DRF. Focal scars were independently associated with recurrent UTI. Those with multiple scars were diagnosed later than those with single scars or no scars. High-grade VUR was associated with renal damage and clinical morbidity. Our study highlights the importance of diagnosing VUR early to identify patients who may warrant long-term follow-up and intervention to minimize morbidity.

Clinical Characteristics of Febrile Urinary Tract Infection and Application of Thai Guideline Imaging Recommendations Compared between Children Aged 2 Months to 2 Years and Children Aged 2 to 5 Years

Background: In 2014, the Thai Pediatric Nephrology Association (TPNA) launched a guideline for febrile urinary tract infection (UTI) in children aged two months to five years. Renal and bladder ultrasound (RBUS) is recommended for first febrile UTI, and voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) is recommended in patients with at least one of eight proposed risk factors. Objective: To compare characteristics of febrile urinary tract infection (UTI), compliance with the imaging study recommendation regarding to the TPNA guide, and kidney, ureter, and bladder (KUB) abnormality detections between children aged two months to two years and older than two years to five years. Materials and Methods: The present study was a retrospective study, reviewed children aged two months to five years presenting with first or recurrent episode of febrile UTI between 2014 and 2019 at Siriraj Hospital. Clinical parameters during febrile UTI, indications to perform VCUG, and kidney, ureter, and bladder (KUB) abnormality detections were compared between the younger group and the older group. RBUS and VCUG undergone according to the recommendation were accounted for the compliance. Results: The mean age of 259 younger and of 51 older age children was 8.2±5.6 and 40.0±10.9 months, respectively. Female gender (p=0.01), complaint of constipation (p=0.03), abnormal bladder emptying (p&lt;0.01), and renal impairment (p=0.03) were more frequent in the older than the younger. Overall imaging study compliance was 73.9% and the KUB abnormality detection was 16.5%. High-grade vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) was more common than low-grade VUR. The rates of compliance (p=0.45) and KUB abnormality detections (p=0.54) between the younger and older children were not different. Conclusion: Female gender, and bladder and bowel dysfunction were associated to febrile UTI in older children. The TPNA febrile UTI guideline imaging recommendation was shown to be applicable in both younger and older children. Keywords: Clinical characteristics; Febrile urinary tract infection; Thai guideline imaging recommendations; Renal and bladder ultrasound; Voiding cystourethrography

Late Presentation of Ureterovesical Junction Obstruction after Submucosal Transurethral Injection of Dextranomer/Hyaluronic Acid Copolymer for Vesicoureteral Reflux

Objective – We report a case of late-presenting symptomatic ureterovesical junction obstruction after endoscopic treatment of low grade vesicoureteral reflux. Case report – A two-year old girl, with no other underlying conditions, underwent endoscopic Submucosal Transurethral Injection of one ml dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer for grade three VUR on the right side. She recovered uneventfully and remained asymptomatic for one year, when she presented with right-side flank pain. Renal ultrasound showed hydronephrosis with calyceal dilatation and hydroureter. Ureterovesical junction obstruction caused by the bulking agent was suspected on MR urography. A large 2×2 cm mass was found extravesically, clearly obstructing the ureter. After excision of the mass and reimplantation of the ureter, the hydronephrosis settled. Conclusion – However rare it is, ureterovesical obstruction may develop after endoscopic submucosal transurethral injection of dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer. Long-term postoperative follow up may be necessary.

Long-Term fate of the upper urinary tract and ITS association with continence in exstrophy patients

Scarce data is available in literature about the upper urinary tract outcomes of patients with Exstrophy-Epispadias Complex (EEC). After bladder closure during childhood, EEC bladders can become hostile to the upper tracts after bladder by exposing them to high pressures, leading to hydronephrosis (HN) and kidney damage. Similarly, vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) may be present and increase the likelihood for pyelonephritis. We sought to assess long-term upper urinary tract outcomes by evaluating renal function, HN and VUR; and to assess if upper urinary tract outcomes are associated with continence status. A retrospective review of EEC patients having ≥1 surger(y) (ies) at our institution from 1990 until 2019 was performed. Renal function was assessed by evaluating last available estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and creatinine values. HN was assessed on ultrasound and classified according to the SFU-classification. Patients with recurrent febrile urinary tract infections (UTI) or pyelonephritis underwent a voiding-cystourethrogram (VCUG) assessing VUR, graded following the 'International system of radiographic grading of VUR'. Descriptive and comparative statistical analysis were performed to assess if upper tract outcomes are associated with continence status. Forty-eight patients (75% male) had a median (IQR) follow-up of 18 (10-21) years. The table shows upper tract outcomes for the entire group and stratified by continence status. The median creatinine was 0.6 (0.2-0.9) mg/dL and median eGFR was 108 (72-160) mL/min/1.73m [2]. In two patients (4.2%), HN (SFU-grade 2) was detected. Thirty-six patients (75%) underwent VCUG, revealing high-grade VUR (stage IV-V) in 8 patients (17%) and low-grade VUR (stage I-III) in 7 patients (15%). Continence was associated with a higher need for VCUG (p=0.02) and a higher presence of VUR (p=0.03). Renal function in EEC patients and non-EEC patients is comparable when age matched. Only 6% had low-grade HN which was asymptomatic. 17% had high-grade VUR, which is little compared to literature (40-70%). However, results in literature are described in patients with a 'one-stage' bladder closure, whereas some of our patients had a 'two-stage' procedure. A one-stage procedure creates higher bladder pressures resulting in higher VUR-rates. Statistical analysis has showed that continence is associated with a higher prevalence of recurrent febrile UTI's or pyelonephritis and of VUR. No statistically differences were found between continent and incontinent patients concerning creatinine and eGFR value (p=0.52 and p=0.29), nor in the prevalence of hydronephrosis (p=0.36). However, results of this study suggest that continent patients may portend a higher risk of upper tract deterioration with recurrent febrile UTI's and pyelonephritis due to VUR. Close monitoring of the upper tract status is therefore as important as focus on continence. Large-scale prospective studies defining renal function as well as pyelonephritis rates are needed to optimize the management of the upper tracts in EEC patients.

Reliability of Sonography for the Prediction of Vesicoureteral Reflux in Children With Mild Hydronephrosis

Objectives: Postnatal evaluation of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) remains controversial in patients with antenatal hydronephrosis (HN). The objective of this study was to identify the significance of mild postnatal HN as a marker of VUR and its severity. Materials and Methods: Sonographic findings of 248 children (351 kidneys) with persistent postnatal HN were evaluated for the incidence and severity of primary VUR. Results: The majority of patients had mild (67.8%) HN, followed by moderate (27.6%) and severe (4.6%) HN. VUR was identified in 14.7% of patients with mild HN, 18.5% of patients with moderate HN, and 18.7% of patients with severe HN. About 11.44% of patients with mild HN had low-grade VUR, followed by moderate (45.71 %) and severe grades (42.85%). Conclusion: A large number (89%) of patients with mild HN had moderate to severe VUR. In this cohort, renal sonography was not a reliable method for the prediction of VUR and its severity in patients with mild postnatal HN. However, it was reliable for high grades of VUR. These results are limited due to the study design and the inability to generalize these findings. These results should be replicated across other multiple clinics, thereby recruiting more variety of patients, to validate these study recommendations.

Intrarenal Reflux Diagnosed by Contrast-enhanced Voiding Urosonography - a Case Report

Objective − Intrarenal reflux (IRR) is the main cause of renal injury in children with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), and has an important role in the pathogenesis of scarring and reflux nephropaty (RN). Using voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) IRR is usually detected in high grades of VUR. Our case demonstrates the possibility of visualizing IRR in a child with low-grade VUR using contrast-enhanced voiding urosonography (ceVUS). Case Report − We report the case of a four-month-old girl with Klebsiella pneumoniae febrile urinary tract infection (UTI) who was diagnosed by ceVUS with VUR grade II on the right kidney, with IRR strongest in the lower pole. A 99m Tc 2.3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) renal scan, which was performed 8 months after the UTI revealed a small scar on the lower pole of the right kidney, where IRR was found by ceVUS. Conclusion − Our case report showed that not only the grade of reflux but also the presence of IRR is important to predict the severity of the clinical picture and the development of possible scarring. It is important to find IRR because it may be connect with renal scars. VUR with IRR should be managed actively to decrease the chances of renal scarring or the development of new scars.

Pediatrik Posttransplantasyon Renal Greftlerdeki Vezikoüreteral Reflü ve Sonuçları: Korkmalı mıyız?

Objective: Demographical, pre-transplantation and post-transplantation features and post-treatment results of four pediatric cases, who had vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in the graft kidney, were discussed. Methods: Transplantation age, primary diagnosis, VUR to pretransplantation in native kidneys, history of bladder dysfunction, bladder capacity, results of urodynamic studies, donor and its features, induction treatments and ongoing immunosuppressive treatments, acute rejection episodes, CMV and BK infections, VUR grade in the renal graft, DMSA results, treatment type and its outcomes, and the renal graft functions of four patients who underwent kidney transplantation at Tepecik Training and Research Hospital between 2008 and 2016 and for whom VUR was determined via voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) due to recurrent urinary tract infections, were evaluated. Results: All of four cases were female. Their mean transplantation age was 8.7 years (5-16). High grade (Grade 4) VUR was determined in the graft kidney in all but one. DMSA included multiple scar foci apart from one case having low grade VUR. Cases were primarily treated endoscopically and then by open surgery. Spontaneous recovery occurred in one case. Graft dysfunction was not observed in any of the cases. Conclusion: VUR is an important risk factor in recurrent urinary tract infections after post-transplantation. A special assessment should be done for the patient in the presence of VUR and conservative and surgical treatments should be executed together. It should be remembered that VUR can be spontaneously regressed by the bladder capacity increasing treatments and prophylaxis.